By A. Kevin Corvo

London voters will choose a Ward 1 representative for London City Council at the polls on Nov. 4, but many other municipal races are uncontested.

James “Jim” Boyd, a former London City Council member, is challenging incumbent Councilman Andrew Hitt for the Ward 1 seat. The seats in Wards 2, 3 and 4 are uncontested.

Ward 2 Councilman Richard Hays, Ward 3 Councilwoman Lisa Jackman and Ward 4 Councilwoman Shannon Treynor are each unopposed.

In a separate election, London City Council President Joshua Peters is also uncontested for a new two-year term.

Two administrative offices on the ballot this election cycle are uncontested as well. Rickelle Davis, director of law, will be elected to fill an unexpired term ending Dec. 31, 2027. Sue Mosier, candidate for treasurer, will be elected to a full four-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2029.

Hitt seeks re-election

Hitt, 63, has served on London City Council since 2018 and is completing his fourth term. He is chairman of the Public Service Committee, which oversees city services such as streets, sanitation and parks and recreation. He also serves on the finance committee and the Shade Tree Commission.

If re-elected, Hitt said his priorities will include public safety, infrastructure and staffing.

“As far as future matters go, I’d like to see a new fire station built to better accommodate our first responders. With London expanding as it is, we will need added police and fire services,” Hitt said.

He added that he is proud of his support for the city’s police and fire departments.

“Considering the current anti-law enforcement climate of society, I’m proud of my involvement while on City Council voting in support of our local police in a variety of matters, including the new police station being built. I also was in favor of appointing a school resource officer to be an integral part of our schools to promote the safety of our children from the dangers of possible shooters and to promote rapport building with students,” Hitt said.

Hitt also voiced support for constructing a new community center to accommodate more adult and youth programming.

“I feel I can continue to vote for and promote what is in the best interest of the Ward 1 constituents and the London community in general if re-elected,” he said.

Hitt is a graduate of Cedarville University and has worked for 41 years at Mental Health Services for Clark and Madison Counties, where he serves as intake coordinator, state hospital liaison and case manager for severely mentally ill adults.

Boyd challenges

Boyd, 62, is a former London City Council member seeking to return to office.

He previously served three at-large terms from 1994 to 1999. He also served as Ward 2 councilman from 1999 to 2001, and again from 2009 to 2011.

“I have always been concerned with the amount and type of development that is coming to London … I think we are going in the wrong direction,” said Boyd, who is retired.

Boyd was director of inventory control for a third-party logistics company, where he oversaw distribution services.

As a retiree with no children at home, Boyd said he now has the time and energy to devote to public service.

“I retired this year and I have the time to give to it,” he said.

Boyd said London needs more workforce housing so residents can “work where they live.” He also called for more aggressive efforts to attract large commercial employers.

“We need to be more aggressive with commercial businesses,” he said, adding that the city should recruit companies similar to the Staples distribution center, Advanced Drainage Systems and Stanley Electric. “The administration touts something like a new Starbucks, but we need more businesses that can employ 300 to 500 people.”

If elected, Boyd said he would push the administration to adopt a clear capital improvement budget that prioritizes road and street projects based on condition and need.

“Projects today appear to be reactionary rather than presented as a forecast of capital improvement projects,” he said. “I would like to see more fiscal transparency in the city.”

Boyd and his wife, Alison, have one son, one daughter and two grandchildren.